InstaStudy

The New Jerusalem: A Glimpse of Eternity

An exploration of the New Jerusalem as depicted in Revelation 21:9-14, 22-27, focusing on its divine nature, the presence of God, and the blessings awaiting the redeemed.

1. The City's Foundation and Structure

1.1 A Vision of Beauty and Glory

Verses: Revelation 21:9-11
  • The New Jerusalem is described as a bride adorned for her husband, emphasizing its purity and splendor.
  • The city's radiance is like a most precious stone, jasper, clear as crystal, signifying divine light and transparency.

1.2 The Great City's Dimensions

Verses: Revelation 21:12-14; Revelation 21:16
  • The city has a great, high wall with twelve gates, each bearing the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
  • The wall has twelve foundations, and on them are the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, highlighting the continuity between the Old and New Covenants.
  • The city is perfectly square, its length, width, and height being equal, symbolizing completeness and divine order.

2. The Divine Presence

2.1 The Absence of a Temple

Verses: Revelation 21:22
  • There is no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
  • This signifies direct and unmediated access to the Divine Presence for all inhabitants.

2.2 The Illumination of God

Verses: Revelation 21:23
  • The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
  • This emphasizes the all-sufficiency of God's presence as the source of all light and life.

3. The Inhabitants and Their Blessings

3.1 The Nations Walking in Light

Verses: Revelation 21:24
  • The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.
  • This speaks of the universal reign of Christ and the submission of all earthly powers to His authority.

3.2 Unrestricted Access and Eternal Security

Verses: Revelation 21:25-26
  • Its gates will never be shut by day, and there will be no night there, signifying constant access to God's presence and eternal security.
  • The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it, representing the best of human achievement consecrated to God.

4. Exclusion of Impurity

4.1 Purity and Holiness

Verses: Revelation 21:27
  • Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful.
  • Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will enter, emphasizing the importance of salvation through Christ.